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Ride owners and operators can face serious legal consequences if their negligent behavior causes an accident, according to James S. Farrin, a personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin.

Raleigh, NC (PRWEB)November 18, 2013

“Every rider who climbs aboard one of these rides is placing their trust, and oftentimes their lives, into the hands of the ride owners and operators. That is not a responsibility that is to be taken lightly,” said Raleigh, NC personal injury lawyer James S. Farrin in response to a recent ride malfunction at the North Carolina State Fair that left five people injured.

Farrin, who represents victims of negligence and families who lost loved ones in accidents, commented on a report in USA Today (“More charges possible in N.C. fair ride injuries,” October 29). The article stated that five people were injured after a ride suddenly jolted into motion at the North Carolina State Fair, possibly as a result of intentional tampering.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families. Accidents involving large, mechanically operated rides can be especially devastating and traumatic. A malfunction because of tampering is even more egregious,” Farrin said. “While the ride operator is facing criminal charges, there are still many unanswered questions. Other individuals or companies may also have been negligent. A thorough investigation is critical to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.” (Wake County, NC Case Number: 2013226333 CR, 2013226334 CR and 2013226335 CR)

According to USA Today, the “Vortex” ride at the North Carolina State Fair restarted as people were exiting, dropping riders from heights estimated at up to 30 feet and leaving three people, including a 14-year-old child, with serious injuries.

Furthermore, USA Today reported that a technical problem was found on the ride just days before the accident. A switch that keeps the ride from operating unless seat restraints are engaged had malfunctioned. The switch was replaced before the ride was reopened, according to the article.

“Ride owners are responsible for properly maintaining rides and inspecting them to ensure the highest of safety standards are met. Additionally, ride owners have a moral and legal obligation to employ people who can be trusted to operate the ride in a safe manner,” said Farrin.

He went on to say that since this is such an unusual and complex case, an attorney may work with investigators, reconstructionists and other experts, on behalf of the victims, to help illustrate the details of their individual cases and the many far-reaching impacts the accident may have had.

ABOUT THE LAW OFFICES OF JAMES SCOTT FARRIN
The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is headquartered in the American Tobacco Historic District, adjacent to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, in Durham, North Carolina, with 12 additional offices statewide in Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, Goldsboro, Henderson, New Bern, Raleigh, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Sanford and Wilson. The firm’s 32 attorneys focus on the following practice areas: Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability, Eminent Domain, Intellectual Property, Civil Rights, Mass Torts and Products Liability. Three of the attorneys are North Carolina Board Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation Law and one is a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Social Security Disability Law. The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is involved in the community, including sponsorship of local philanthropic organizations and an active employee matching donation program.